The Aucklander’s journey to the top tier of touring cars is marked by talent, commitment, and a series of impressive performances that forged a path not just to the Supercars Championship, but to the stop step of the podium. As the 2024 season progresses, his level of maturity behind the wheel has earned praise across the paddock and another win for the 22-year-old.As with most racers, Payne’s career began in karting, where his natural talent was clear to see. His prowess in the karting circuit opened the opportunity to jump straight in to the Toyota Racing Series, where he continued to impress.This would lead to Payne becoming the inaugural recipient of the Team Porsche New Zealand Scholarship, which gave him the opportunity to compete in the 2021 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia season with Earl Bamber Motorsport.After placing 6th in the 2021 Carrera Cup Australia Championship, Payne had the opportunity to contest the Super2 Championship, the main feeder series for the Supercars Championship. The young Kiwi took two victories and an overall round win, finishing the championship in third.This performance was enough to earn him a Supercars seat with Penrite racing for 2023. Known for his punchy driving style and strategic brain, he has quickly adapted to the intensely close competition of Supercars racing. His hard work paid off when he took his maiden Supercars victory with a dominant performance in the last race of 2023 in Adelaide.Payne will be hoping to build on experience gained at his debut Bathurst 1000 in 2023 as he pairs up with 2007 Supercars champion Garth Tander for this year’s edition of the biggest race on the calendar.
